JAMB Syllabus for Music 2025

JAMB Syllabus for Music

JAMB Syllabus for Music. The 2025/2026 academic year is set to commence, and students are already preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam. As a result, they are actively searching for reliable resources to aid their studies. One vital resource for any student is the JAMB syllabus for their subject of choice. In this post, we take an in-depth look at the JAMB syllabus for music 2025.

The JAMB Music syllabus lays out the essential topics students need to study to perform well in the exam. It provides a roadmap that helps you understand the key areas of focus, from music theory to history and appreciation. If you’re aiming to pursue music in higher education, this syllabus is your guide to success!

In this post, we’ll walk you through the core topics covered in the syllabus, give you an idea of the exam structure, and share some tips to help you study smartly and confidently. With the right preparation, you’ll be in great shape to tackle the JAMB Music exam and move one step closer to your academic goals!

JAMB Syllabus for Music 2025

The JAMB Music syllabus is thoughtfully crafted to evaluate not only a candidate’s understanding of fundamental music theory and history but also their ability to appreciate and practically engage with music. It bridges both African and Western musical traditions, encouraging students to analyze and enjoy a variety of genres.

Essentially, succeeding in JAMB Music means balancing solid theoretical knowledge with practical skills—like attentive listening and the knack for recognizing key musical elements. Below is the JAMB Syllabus for Music 2025/2026 formatted into a table for clarity:

SectionTopicSubtopics / Details
SECTION A: Rudiments of MusicThe StaffStudy of music notes rests, and their corresponding durations.
 Time and Time SignaturesFundamentals of rhythm and meter.
 Key Signatures and Scales (Part A)Identification of key signatures and construction of scales.
 Key Signatures and Scales (Part B)Determining the key of a piece (with or without a key signature); must not exceed two sharps or two flats; includes understanding keyboard layouts with enharmonic equivalents and recognition of accidentals.
 IntervalsDefinitions of basic musical terms, symbols, and abbreviations; transcription between standard notation and tonic sol-fa; transposition on treble (G) and bass (F) clefs (with a maximum of two sharps or two flats).
SECTION B: Elementary HarmonyTriads and InversionsStudy of triads in major and minor keys along with their inversions.
 Chord ProgressionsExploration of basic four-part chord progressions.
 Kinds of MotionAnalysis of voice leading and chord movement.
 Cadences in Major KeysUnderstanding various types of cadences.
 Non-Harmonic/Non-Chord TonesIdentification and application of tones that lie outside the harmonic structure.
 ModulationTechniques for changing keys within a musical piece.
 Elementary CompositionIntroduction to composing simple musical pieces.
SECTION C: History and Literature of African MusicNigerian FolksongsExamination of the types, forms, and characteristics of Nigerian folk music.
 Traditional Nigerian Music and ArtsOverview of the features and structures of traditional music, including festivals, dances, and other cultural art forms.
 Traditional InstrumentsStudy and classification of Nigerian traditional musical instruments.
 African Traditional MusiciansInsights into the lives and works of African traditional musicians, with emphasis on Nigerian figures.
 African Popular MusicExploration of the evolution and development of popular music in Africa, including biographical insights into key figures.
 African Art MusicOverview of the contributions of African art musicians.
SECTION D: History and Literature of Western MusicHistorical DevelopmentSurvey of the evolution of Western music across various historical periods.
 Composers, Forms, and MediaStudy of notable composers and the various music forms and media through which their music is expressed.
SECTION E: Comparative Music StudiesBlack Musicians in the DiasporaComparative analysis of influential figures (e.g., Mighty Sparrow, James Brown, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, R. Kelly, Lauryn Hill, Kirk Franklin, Tupac Shakur, Shabba Ranks, Quincy Jones, Boyz II Men, Sean Paul, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Brandy, Usher, Kevin Lyttle, Bobby Brown, MC Hammer, LL Cool J, Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Neo, Rihanna, etc.).
 Musical GenresExamination of various genres including spirituals, gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, calypso, rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, afrobeat, tango, rap, cha-cha-cha, bolero, twist, and hip-hop.
 Nationalism in MusicDiscussion of the influence and expression of nationalism in Nigerian music.

JAMB Music Exam Format

The JAMB Music exam is a multiple-choice test, typically comprising 60 questions in total. The questions will test your knowledge and understanding of the topics outlined in the syllabus.

  • General Music Theory: This section will test your understanding of music theory, including the structure of scales, intervals, chords, and rhythm.
  • African and Western Music: Questions will focus on your knowledge of different music traditions, genres, instruments, and notable musicians.
  • Music Appreciation and History: You may be asked to analyze musical pieces and identify key aspects of music history.

It’s important to manage your time effectively during the exam, as the test is typically designed to be completed within a set time frame, often 1 hour.

How to Prepare for the JAMB Music Exam

  • The first step in preparing for the JAMB Music exam is to thoroughly study the syllabus and make sure you understand all the topics covered.
  • Since music is an auditory subject, improving your listening skills is very necessary. Listen to various pieces of music from both African and Western traditions. Try to identify key elements such as rhythm, harmony, and melody.
  • Use past JAMB questions and practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam. This will help you assess your strengths and weaknesses and improve your speed in answering questions.
  • Learn about famous musicians, both African and Western, and their contributions to music. Read about the development of different music genres and historical periods.
  • Since music theory is a significant part of the exam, be sure to focus on learning scales, intervals, chords, and rhythm patterns. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to reinforce your theoretical knowledge.
  • If possible, attend a music theory or practical class to get additional guidance on how to interpret music notation and perform music.

Conclusion

The JAMB Music syllabus offers a comprehensive guide for students preparing for the UTME. By focusing on essential topics and adopting an effective study strategy, candidates can improve their chances of securing a high score. Be sure to dedicate sufficient time to thoroughly explore the syllabus, engage in consistent practice, and strengthen both your theoretical and practical music knowledge.

We trust you found this post valuable. For more updates and similar content, don’t forget to check back frequently, as we’ll be updating this page with fresh insights. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment, and we’ll be glad to assist you. Here’s to a rewarding and exciting academic year ahead! Wishing you success in your JAMB Music exam!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The syllabus is available on the official JAMB website or can be obtained through authorized educational materials.

 

The syllabus covers topics such as music theory, music history, notation, sight reading, composition, and performance practices, as well as the basic principles of rhythm and harmony.

 

Yes, JAMB provides a list of recommended textbooks that cover the music topics outlined in the syllabus.

 

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering the theory of music, history, and listening skills based on the syllabus.

 

Effective preparation involves studying the recommended textbooks, practicing music theory and notation, and listening to different music genres to improve musical comprehension.

 

No, the JAMB Music exam is theoretical, focusing on music knowledge, theory, history, and analysis rather than performance or practical examination.

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